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Rancho 9000 Shocks - 4X News

Rancho Expands RS9000X LineSince its introduction in 2002 as the next generation of the popular RS9000, the Rancho RS9000X shock absorber just keeps getting better. The nine-position, fully adjustable RS9000X is now offered in several extended-length designs to meet the needs of vehicle owners running extreme suspension systems where long-travel shock absorbers are crucial for maximizing articulation. Taking this technology a step further, Rancho has added a Pro Series RS9000X to its shock lineup. The Pro Series shock absorbers incorporate all the ideal features of the standard RS9000X shock with the addition of a remote reservoir designed to provide more consistent performance over a longer period without the risk of heat-related shock fade. Rancho Pro Series shocks are available in extended-length configurations, offering as much as 15 inches of travel, and feature a 16mm-diameter hardened and double-chromed rod, a 32mm-diameter Teflon-banded piston, and an all-new rod-guide design said to reduce friction and improve fluid flow. The remote reservoir RS9000X shocks can be mounted in any position and include piggyback bushings and clamps for mounting the reservoir. For more information, contact: Rancho Suspension, (734) 384-7804, www.gorancho.com.

Own Your Own BigfootEver have a desire to run with the really big boys? Well, now's your chance. Bigfoot 4x4 Inc. and Potosi Ford recently launched a line of Bigfoot 4x4 street pickups available for sale to the general public. Dubbed the Bigfoot 4x4 SSX (Street Series Xtreme), these street-legal Ford trucks will primarily include F-350 Regular Cab, SuperCab, and Crew Cab pickups with 4- and 6-inch lifts, though F-150 and Ranger models are slated for a 2004 release. Many more options, including taller lifts (per bumper-height laws for your state), tire and wheel packages, and custom graphics are also available.

A prototype version of the Bigfoot 4x4 SSX was introduced last June at the Ford Centennial Celebration in Dearborn, Michigan. Built at Ford's Kentucky truck plant and customized by Potosi Ford in Potosi, Missouri, the '03 F-350 Super Cab was equipped with an 8-inch Superlift suspension system, 38-inch Parnelli Jones tires on 16-inch Weld wheels, Kodiak electric steps, dual front shocks, a K&N performance kit and air filter, and a Bigfoot SSX Cyclone custom graphics package. Bigfoot SSX models will be offered in factory Ford colors - True Blue and Sonic Blue - and each will include a numbered dash plaque autographed by Bigfoot creator Bob Chandler. For more information, contact: Potosi Ford, (575) 438-2174, potosiford@yahoo.com.

New Site For Ramsey WinchesRamsey Winch recently launched its brand-new Web site, offering everything you've ever wanted to know about the company and its products. Using the latest Flash technology, the new Ramsey site is a cinch to navigate and features the latest product, event, and promotion information and technical data, catalog downloads, owners' manuals, and online purchasing. Check out the new Ramsey Winch Web site at www.ramsey.com.

'05 Grand Cherokee Up DateWe've been hearing the rumors for awhile: The next generation of the Jeep Grand Cherokee is in the works. Though we don't have key information yet, such as what exactly it's going to look like or whether that solid front axle will still be in residence, we can report that the body styling will remain similar to the current model (with some exceptions) and that two updated powerplants will be offered, a 4.7L V-8 and a 5.7L hemi V-8. Word on the street is that the body styling has continued to evolve in the direction of the Euro SUV, with overlaid round headlights and a more rectangular grille. A few specialty items are said to have been added as well, including an air suspension and a third row of seats for increased occupant capacity. As far as the drivetrain, spy shots revealed a solid rear axle, but a new cost-saving, parts-sharing philosophy means that the new Grand Cherokee will borrow some cues and equipment from the current and next-generation Mercedes ML-Class models.

Reader Of The MonthAfter featuring a reader of the month in the Aug. '03 issue, we received a good deal of photos from other readers who explained why they felt they deserved this exalted moniker. This month's snapshot came from Tiffany Gonzalez of Lorton, Virginia, who presented us with a photo of her husband, Horacio, reading 4 Wheel Drive & Sport Utility on a gurney at the local hospital. Seems that Horacio is an animal lover as much as he is a 4x4 enthusiast, and he inadvertently knocked his axle off its stand trying to get a kitten out of harm's way. While steel-toed boots might have softened the blow, the flip-flop sandals Horacio was wearing at the time, did not. Tiffany tells us that Horacio has fully recovered from the incident, and they are currently preparing for their next big project: their first child, due this November. Best of luck to both Horacio and Tiffany.

Bestop Cleaning HouseIf you're looking to score a new soft top or bikini top for that Jeep of yours, Bestop just made it a lot cheaper to do so. The company launched its new clearance Web site, offering factory seconds and discontinued products, including soft tops and accessories, sound bars, and bikini tops. For more information, contact: www.bestopbuys.com.